Jain Journal 2002 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 47

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Dr. B. K. Khadabadi: Contribution of Jainism Sanskrit) though actually some of them are Prakrit-bhāṣās (born of Prakrit).
After a few decades they gradualy tried their hands in producing literary works in Kannada. It appears that they first wrote Kannada commentaries of Prakrit works, then Kannada translations of Prakrit works and thereafter they went for producing independent literary works in Kannada. Thus they laid the foundation of Kannada literature on which later stood the magnificient mansion of Kannada Literature. The first phase of Kannada literature appeared during C. 600 to C. 700 A.D. in the form of big commentaries on Prakrit works like Satkhaṇḍāgama (by Tumbeļūrācārya and Shyamkundācārya) Mulārādhanā by Bhrajṣņu) and even on the Sanskrit Tattvatha Sūtra (by an unknown author). This period can be called the period of Kannada Commentaries on Prakrit works and I would also call it "The Hidden or Forgotten Period of Kannada Literature' as the concerned works are not traceable. These works in Kannada are not available, but are known by reference only. Then came the Kannada translations of Prakrit works like the Pāhuḍas (miscellenous works) of Kundakundācārya and others. The earliest independent Kannada works by Jaina Scholars also are not traceable though the names of some of their authors are found mentioned in other works like the Kavirājāmārga of Nṛpatunga (C. 900 A.D.). Such names are Vimala, Udaya, Nāgārjuma etc. who wrote both poetry and prose works. Thereafter, many excellent works in Kannada, both in prose and poetry, came down from the pens of the Jaina scholars. The period between 900 and 1000 A.D. is specifically known as the Augustan Age (Golden period) of Kannada Literature. Even afterwards the Jaina authors continued producing now and then Kannada works till the 18th century.
It is so very interesting to note that the first Kannada work on poetics (Kavirājamārga), the first on prosody (Chhandombudhi), the first authentic grammar (Śabdamaṇidarpaṇa), the first poetry (Adipurāņa), the first prose classic (Vaḍḍārādhana) etc. are all by the Jaina scholars. They also wrote books on astrology, medicine, cosmography, cookery etc. On the whole, the value, range and extent of Jaina literature in Kannada is supreme in South India.